Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is an evidence-based, empathy-driven approach that has found increasing application within drug and alcohol treatment settings. At its core, NVC is designed to foster understanding, compassion, and effective communication between individuals, particularly in environments where trust and openness are often compromised by the effects of addiction and the stigma surrounding substance use disorders. In drug and alcohol treatment, NVC is used as a behavioral intervention that helps individuals in recovery develop empathic coping and communication skills that are necessary for healing and reintegration.
Studies have shown that implementing NVC in substance abuse treatment can increase empathy levels among participants. One study from the Journal of Correctional Health Care provides the range for NVC in the formerly incarcerated, “Results suggest that NVC training may (a) be a useful addition to substance abuse treatment programs for parolees, (b) be effective in addressing problematic coping and communication styles resulting from incarceration and criminal behavior, and (c) assist paroled individuals in building and sustaining positive social support networks.”
Nonviolent Communication is grounded in the principles of empathy, compassion, and humanistic psychology, with its origins traced to the pioneering work of clinical psychologist Marshall Rosenberg in the 1960s and 1970s. A study from Future Human Image shows one perspective on the origins of NVC, “Founded on the philosophical principle of nonviolence... Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is an approach to build honest and empathic relationships in which everyone can fulfil their needs.”
Rosenberg developed NVC as both a response to the violence he witnessed in society and a practical tool for improving relationships at all levels, from personal to professional to societal. The foundational philosophy of NVC is that all human actions are attempts to meet universal needs, and that conflict arises not from the needs themselves but from the strategies chosen to meet them. NVC is structured around four key components:
This model encourages individuals to move away from blame, criticism, and coercion, and instead engage in honest self-expression and empathic listening.
Combative communication, sometimes referred to as violent communication or a “harsh startup, is characterized by aggression, blame, criticism, and defensiveness. This style of communication often escalates conflict, damages trust, and reinforces feelings of shame and isolation, which are already prevalent among individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
According to a research paper on preventing violence in healthcare, “Among the social conflicts that exist in interpersonal relationships, the phenomenon of violence stands out, embedded in its different types and cultural spheres, although they are often not visible, they can destroy social relationships.”
Where NVC encourages observation without judgment, authentic expression of feelings, and collaborative problem-solving, combative communication relies on emotionally charged language, personal attacks, and attempts to control or dominate the conversation. The result is a cycle of misunderstanding and resentment, which can undermine the therapeutic alliance and impede recovery. In practical terms, NVC provides a structured alternative to combative communication by teaching individuals to pause, reflect, and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Addiction is deeply intertwined with issues of self-worth, trust, and the quality of one’s relationships. NVC is uniquely positioned to address these challenges by providing individuals with the tools to communicate authentically, repair damaged relationships, and rebuild self-esteem. The above mentioned study notes, “A behavioral intervention, nonviolent communication (NVC), may improve communication skills and assist parolees in developing supportive social networks…NVC seeks to dismantle embedded forms of negative communication and provides a framework for developing an empathic way of communicating with the self and with others.” One of the hallmarks of addiction is the erosion of trust, both in oneself and in others, which can persist long after substance use has ceased. NVC helps restore this trust by fostering honest, nonjudgmental dialogue and encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their feelings and needs without resorting to blame or self-criticism.
It is particularly necessary given the high levels of guilt and shame that often accompany addiction; NVC offers a pathway out of these destructive cycles by promoting self-forgiveness and healthy mourning. It has been demonstrated that NVC training can increase empathy among individuals in recovery.
Recovery does not occur in isolation; it is a process that involves the entire support network of the individual. Family members and friends often carry their own burdens of frustration, fear, and misunderstanding, which can inadvertently perpetuate cycles of blame, shame, and conflict if not addressed constructively. A Journal of Medical Library Association study ‘Collaborating to enhance patient education and recovery’ notes the need for a collaborative approach to care, “Caregivers and family members are integral parts of the recovery process, yet family caregivers may experience considerable anxiety and
fear about caring for a loved one.”
By learning NVC, loved ones gain the skills to engage in supportive, empathetic dialogue that prioritizes understanding over judgment and connection over control. Equipping families with NVC tools helps prevent relapse by reducing the emotional triggers that often lead to substance use. HIPAA compliant email platforms play a pivotal role in supporting this educational process. Secure, encrypted email ensures that sensitive information about a patient’s progress, family dynamics, and treatment recommendations can be shared safely between clinicians and family members, without violating privacy regulations.
The transition from a structured treatment environment back to everyday life is fraught with challenges, including exposure to old triggers, re-engagement with strained relationships, and the stress of rebuilding one’s life. Continued education in NVC equips individuals with practical tools to navigate these challenges by promoting self-awareness, emotional regulation, and effective conflict resolution.
Email is an especially valuable medium for delivering this support because it allows for timely, personalized communication that can reinforce key concepts, provide encouragement, and address emerging issues as they arise. Through regular, secure email correspondence, clinicians can share worksheets, reminders, and resources that help patients integrate NVC principles into their daily lives, fostering a sense of connection and accountability even after discharge.
Related: HIPAA compliant emails to address the opioid crisis
Yes, participation in drug and alcohol treatment is confidential. Federal laws, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, protect treatment records and personal information from unauthorized disclosure. These laws are designed to address concerns about stigma, discrimination, and fear of prosecution, making it safer for individuals to seek help for substance use disorders.
42 CFR Part 2 is a federal regulation that provides additional privacy protections specifically for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment records. While HIPAA protects all health information, 42 CFR Part 2 imposes stricter standards for SUD records, often requiring explicit patient consent for disclosures. When there is a conflict, providers must follow the stricter regulation, usually 42 CFR Part 2.
In the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency, providers may disclose necessary information to medical personnel to ensure patient safety. This is one of the exceptions to the general rule of confidentiality, but disclosures are limited to what is needed for emergency care.